Japanese Farmers, Meiji era (1868-1912)

Rain Coats – Japanese Farmers of Meiji Japan, c. 1880

Details

• Museum-grade fine art reproduction from an original hand-colored photograph from the Meiji period (1868–1912)

• Depicts three rural workers in traditional straw rain gear (mino and kasa)

• Rich in texture, cultural authenticity, and handcrafted detail

• Ideal for collectors of Japanese history, ethnographic photography, or rustic decor

About the Artwork

Step into the rural heart of Meiji-era Japan with this evocative hand-colored photograph titled Rain Coats, captured in the late 19th century. The image portrays three agricultural workers clad in mino (straw rain capes) and kasa (broad straw hats), garments handwoven from natural fibers to shield against rain and wind. Their tools and produce—ropes, farming poles, and daikon radishes—highlight a life shaped by labor, weather, and deep connection to the land.

This photograph is not only a rare ethnographic document, but also a work of visual artistry. The hand-applied color adds warmth and depth, accentuating the woven texture of the garments and the individuality of the figures. Such photographs were often created for export, offering Western audiences a curated but deeply respectful view of Japanese life during a time of transition.

Whether displayed in a home, gallery, or cultural space, this reproduction preserves the dignity and practicality of rural tradition, while celebrating the quiet beauty of everyday life.